Key facts
| Address | Tehran, Iran |
| Capacity | 78,000 seats |
| Build Date | 1973 |
| Record Attendance | 128,000 |
Description
Azadi Stadium is located in the city of Tehran, Iran. It is an all-seater stadium mainly used for football matches. The opening ceremony took place in 1971. It was specially constructed for the Asian Games that took place in 1974. The stadium was also the venue for the Asian Cup that took place in 1976. Azadi Stadium has been several times the venue for the final games of Asian Champions League. A range of other major sports events also took place on the ground.
It used to be referred to as Aryamehr. Currently, it is the permanent home of the national football team of the country. The stadium used to be capable of hosting around 100 000 people until some renovation works began in 2002, which resulted in adding more seats and changing the pitch. A range of other changes was also made, which decreased the capacity of the stadium to nearly 78,000 people.
The stadium is located within the large Azadi Sports Complex, which features swimming pools, pitches, facilities for weightlifting, and other sports facilities.
Since 1976, the F.F.I.R.I. kept applying for being chosen for hosting the Asian Cup, but due to the local rules banning women from visiting stadiums like this one, no bids were accepted. Since 1982, women living in Iran have not been allowed to visit Azadi Stadium.
FAQ
Azadi Stadium was officially inaugurated on October 18, 1971. It was originally called Aryamehr Stadium but was renamed after the Iranian Revolution in 1979.
The name “Azadi” means “freedom” in Persian. The stadium was renamed to Azadi Stadium after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, reflecting the political changes in the country at that time.
Azadi Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 78,116 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Iran and one of the largest in Western Asia.
While Azadi Stadium is primarily used for football matches, it is a multi-purpose stadium. It has hosted various sporting events, including athletics competitions. The stadium is home to Iran’s national football team and is also used by Tehran-based clubs Persepolis and Esteghlal for their home games.
Yes, the stadium has undergone several renovations since its opening. A significant renovation took place in 2003 in preparation for the 2003 Asian Athletics Championships. More recently, in 2016, the stadium received upgrades including new seats, LED displays, and improved media facilities.
Azadi Stadium is known for its unique architecture, featuring a circular base and large concrete ribs that curve upwards to form the roof structure. The design allows for excellent visibility from all seats. The stadium is part of the larger Azadi Sport Complex, which includes several other sporting facilities.
